Injuries mean England may have to select an inexperienced pace attack in their ICC World Twenty20 squad.
Four players offering a seam-bowling option have hurt themselves since the provisional 30-man squad was announced at the start of this month.
When the selectors on Wednesday name the 15 who have made the cut, those hopefuls who bowl seam-up and are fit therefore have a much improved chance of remaining in the running to play in the Caribbean.
Among those who could make the trip on that score - under Twenty20 captain Paul Collingwood - are recent Test recruits Tim Bresnan and Steven Finn, along with Ajmal Shahzad, Peter Trego, Chris Woakes and Sajid Mahmood.
Bresnan and Shahzad were in England's last Twenty20 team, against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and so are the most obvious candidates to help complete a squad of pace bowlers which seems sure to include Stuart Broad, James Anderson - as long as he is thought fit enough after resting his painful knee for the past two months - and all-rounder Luke Wright.
Those who have succumbed to injury in recent weeks and, to varying extents, are therefore likely to be considered unavailable are Durham seamers Graham Onions and Liam Plunkett, Hampshire captain Dimitri Mascarenhas and Nottinghamshire's Ryan Sidebottom.
If those injuries have perhaps simplified the staffing of the pace-bowling contingent, other areas of discussion may take a little longer for the selectors.
In Craig Kieswetter and Matt Prior, they may be able to find room for two wicketkeepers - with either capable of playing as a specialist batsman but the former by far the more likely to do so, especially because his limited-overs exploits so far have convinced many he is England's best man at the top of the order.
Incumbents Joe Denly and Jonathan Trott are vulnerable to others' claims to that position.
Chief among those aspirants to the opening slot is possibly the uncapped Michael Lumb, who played a match-winning hand for the Lions against England in the UAE and has since impressed at the Indian Premier League too.
Ravi Bopara could also be in the reckoning and will doubtless be scenting a recall, along with back-up middle-order batsman Owais Shah.
Both, though, could have done with stronger starts to this year's IPL - a remark which also perhaps applies to Eoin Morgan, who is nonetheless a sure-fire selection after a clutch of devastating and match-winning contributions already from England's Irishman.
The most intriguing part of the equation is how much emphasis to place on spin in the Caribbean.
With two matches played on the same pitch daily, it became clear in last summer's World Twenty20 in England that spin - or lack of pace at any rate - was often a serious weapon.
England already know they are 'second on' in each of their two group matches at Guyana's Providence Stadium - and the evidence of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean was that relatively slow surfaces were the norm.
The medium-pace options who could also profit in such conditions include Collingwood and Bopara. Graeme Swann is the number one spinner, of course. But the number and identity of those chosen to accompany him - all four possibles are short on international experience - will be a tough call.
James Tredwell is at the front of the queue, but if England decide they want more variety - or extra batting cover from Bopara - they could always sacrifice Prior.
Possible final England squad of 15 for the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies: PD Collingwood (captain), JM Anderson, TT Bresnan, SCJ Broad, C Kieswetter (wkt), MJ Lumb, EJG Morgan, KP Pietersen, MJ Prior (wkt), A Shahzad, GP Swann, JC Tredwell, PD Trego, IJL Trott, LJ Wright.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Mohsin: Yousuf still in our plans
Pakistan chief selector Mohsin Khan has called for Mohammad Yousuf to reconsider his decision to retire from international cricket.
Former captain Yousuf has announced his retirement on Monday as a form of protest against a ban imposed on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
"Pakistan still needs him in Test cricket and we have him in our plans," Khan told Reuters.
However, former team-mate Inzamam-ul-Haq doubts Yousuf will consider a return.
"I don't think he will change his decision this time because he is extremely hurt at the way the board has made accusations against him and banned him," Inzamam said. "You don't treat senior players like this."
On the recommendation of an inquiry committee set up to probe reasons for Pakistan's woeful performances against Australia earlier this year, Yousuf was banned from all international cricket for an indefinite period.
Pakistan had lost all nine international matches on their tour of Australia and Yousuf had led the team in seven of them, including three Tests.
The inquiry committee had found Yousuf guilty of being involved in infighting during the tour and of indiscipline.
But Yousuf has refuted those charges.
"I have received a letter from the PCB suggesting that my presence in the team is harmful and so I announce my retirement from international cricket," said Yousuf.
"I thank fans around the world, all the senior players and family members for supporting me throughout my 12-year career.
"I have always played for my country and if my playing is harmful for the team then I don't want to play."
A prolific middle-order batsman, Yousuf has, however, been a controversial figure and has already announced his retirement from international cricket twice before.
In 2007 he joined the unauthorised Indian Cricket League after being overlooked for the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa.
He was automatically banned by the PCB, but returned to mainstream cricket only to head back to the ICL fold shortly afterwards.
He returned to the international arena again last year and was handed the captaincy for a Test series in New Zealand and the subsequent tour of Australia after Younus Khan stepped down following defeat in a one-day series to New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.
The 35-year-old Yousuf, a veteran of 88 Tests and 282 ODIs, was also involved in a stinging verbal duel with another former captain Shoaib Malik - much of it played out on national television.
Yousuf blamed Malik for disrupting harmony in the dressing room.
Yousuf, a Roman Catholic who converted to Islam, was also accused by team manager Abdul Raquib of being involved in a brawl with coach Intikhab Alam following the fifth ODI against Australia.
"I am still baffled by the decision of the PCB and I have nothing more to say in my defence for what is a seemingly illogical decision by the board," said Yousuf.
"As it stands, I am retiring from all forms of international cricket. That is final.
"As far as appealing against the indefinite ban imposed upon me by the board, I will decide on it in the coming days.
Former captain Yousuf has announced his retirement on Monday as a form of protest against a ban imposed on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
"Pakistan still needs him in Test cricket and we have him in our plans," Khan told Reuters.
However, former team-mate Inzamam-ul-Haq doubts Yousuf will consider a return.
"I don't think he will change his decision this time because he is extremely hurt at the way the board has made accusations against him and banned him," Inzamam said. "You don't treat senior players like this."
On the recommendation of an inquiry committee set up to probe reasons for Pakistan's woeful performances against Australia earlier this year, Yousuf was banned from all international cricket for an indefinite period.
Pakistan had lost all nine international matches on their tour of Australia and Yousuf had led the team in seven of them, including three Tests.
The inquiry committee had found Yousuf guilty of being involved in infighting during the tour and of indiscipline.
But Yousuf has refuted those charges.
"I have received a letter from the PCB suggesting that my presence in the team is harmful and so I announce my retirement from international cricket," said Yousuf.
"I thank fans around the world, all the senior players and family members for supporting me throughout my 12-year career.
"I have always played for my country and if my playing is harmful for the team then I don't want to play."
A prolific middle-order batsman, Yousuf has, however, been a controversial figure and has already announced his retirement from international cricket twice before.
In 2007 he joined the unauthorised Indian Cricket League after being overlooked for the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa.
He was automatically banned by the PCB, but returned to mainstream cricket only to head back to the ICL fold shortly afterwards.
He returned to the international arena again last year and was handed the captaincy for a Test series in New Zealand and the subsequent tour of Australia after Younus Khan stepped down following defeat in a one-day series to New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.
The 35-year-old Yousuf, a veteran of 88 Tests and 282 ODIs, was also involved in a stinging verbal duel with another former captain Shoaib Malik - much of it played out on national television.
Yousuf blamed Malik for disrupting harmony in the dressing room.
Yousuf, a Roman Catholic who converted to Islam, was also accused by team manager Abdul Raquib of being involved in a brawl with coach Intikhab Alam following the fifth ODI against Australia.
"I am still baffled by the decision of the PCB and I have nothing more to say in my defence for what is a seemingly illogical decision by the board," said Yousuf.
"As it stands, I am retiring from all forms of international cricket. That is final.
"As far as appealing against the indefinite ban imposed upon me by the board, I will decide on it in the coming days.
Sachin doesnot Scare me: (Shane Warne)
Australian spin legend Shane Warne today said Sachin Tendulkar is the best batsman he has ever bowled to but he is not scared of the Indian master batsman.
Warne clarified that his statement that he had nightmares about Tendulkar after the Sharjah One-day series was a joke and it wasn't meant to be taken so seriously.
"I want to clarify that this nightmare thing was a joke. Sachin is the best batsman of my time and I always enjoy the challenge of bowling to him but I am not scared of him or anybody for that matter," said Warne on the sidelines of the launch of Advanced Hair Studio in Delhi.
"If I would have been scared I wouldn't have taken so many wickets in my career. I had quite a hair-raising experiences when he smashed me all over the park but I also got him out many times," added Warne, who took 708 wickets in Tests and 293 in ODIs.
Warne also disagreed with sport minister M S Gill, who had said that BCCI is changing the rules of the game and IPL is fundamentally a business.
"I disagree with him (Gill). It is not only about money. If you see the current bunch of Indian players, we have Suresh Raina working with Darren Lehman in the Chennai Super Kings team, also there is Rohit Sharma. These players are evolving into match-winners after IPL stints.
"Even someone like Ravinder Jadeja bats at number 9 for India in Tests and also can play in number four when situation demanded in T20 World Cup. So it is not true that IPL is only about money," he said.
Warne, who captained Rajasthan Royals to win the first edition of the Indian Premier League, said IPL should work with the ICC to create a window for the event.
"IPL has a responsibility towards world cricket and I think they should work with the ICC to create a window so that it becomes mandatory for all the international players to tour India during the IPL.
"It will give the Indian players opportunities to rub shoulders with all the great stars and learn. But for that the IPL needs to be short," he said.
Warne clarified that his statement that he had nightmares about Tendulkar after the Sharjah One-day series was a joke and it wasn't meant to be taken so seriously.
"I want to clarify that this nightmare thing was a joke. Sachin is the best batsman of my time and I always enjoy the challenge of bowling to him but I am not scared of him or anybody for that matter," said Warne on the sidelines of the launch of Advanced Hair Studio in Delhi.
"If I would have been scared I wouldn't have taken so many wickets in my career. I had quite a hair-raising experiences when he smashed me all over the park but I also got him out many times," added Warne, who took 708 wickets in Tests and 293 in ODIs.
Warne also disagreed with sport minister M S Gill, who had said that BCCI is changing the rules of the game and IPL is fundamentally a business.
"I disagree with him (Gill). It is not only about money. If you see the current bunch of Indian players, we have Suresh Raina working with Darren Lehman in the Chennai Super Kings team, also there is Rohit Sharma. These players are evolving into match-winners after IPL stints.
"Even someone like Ravinder Jadeja bats at number 9 for India in Tests and also can play in number four when situation demanded in T20 World Cup. So it is not true that IPL is only about money," he said.
Warne, who captained Rajasthan Royals to win the first edition of the Indian Premier League, said IPL should work with the ICC to create a window for the event.
"IPL has a responsibility towards world cricket and I think they should work with the ICC to create a window so that it becomes mandatory for all the international players to tour India during the IPL.
"It will give the Indian players opportunities to rub shoulders with all the great stars and learn. But for that the IPL needs to be short," he said.
biggest problem of Pakistan team is Lack of Confidence:Waqar Younis
Waqar said he would use the ongoing training camp to build confidence in players ahead of next month’s ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies.
“Pakistan’s biggest problem is their lack of confidence. They wilt under pressure very easily and quickly despite having services of many talented players in their camp. So,my first task will be to mix with players and raise their morale. I hope to invigorate this team and restore faith among players,” he said.
Admitting that coaching the national squad is not an easy task, Waqar said it would be a challenge for him to lift the side following the dismal tour of Australia.
“Someone had to do the job and I dared to accept it and I assured the nation and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that I would not disappoint them,” The Daily Times quoted Waqar, as saying.
He also hailed the PCB’s decision to appoint all rounder Shahid Afridi as the captain for the ICC T20 World Championship, and said his positive approach towards the game would help the team.
“Afridi is a player with a positive frame of mind who has been bowling excellently in last two years. His mere presence in the field generates a fighting spirit among the players,” Waqar said.
Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis has said that the national squad lacks confidence, and it is this problem that he would try to sort out during the three week training camp.
He said he was confident that both of them would work together to deliver the desired results.
Fielding has been one of the major concern’s for Pakistan in the recent past, and Waqar too is aware of the fact.
“During the camp we will stress on the fielding because in a Twenty20 match, 15-20 runs can make the difference and this you can save through good fielding,” he said.
When asked about his favourites in the T20 World Cup, Waqar said it is hard to predict a winner in the slam bang version of the game , adding : “ Any team who play well on the day can win a Twenty20 match, it’s tough to predict who will win but in my opinion Australia, India and South Africa are playing well.”
“Pakistan’s biggest problem is their lack of confidence. They wilt under pressure very easily and quickly despite having services of many talented players in their camp. So,my first task will be to mix with players and raise their morale. I hope to invigorate this team and restore faith among players,” he said.
Admitting that coaching the national squad is not an easy task, Waqar said it would be a challenge for him to lift the side following the dismal tour of Australia.
“Someone had to do the job and I dared to accept it and I assured the nation and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that I would not disappoint them,” The Daily Times quoted Waqar, as saying.
He also hailed the PCB’s decision to appoint all rounder Shahid Afridi as the captain for the ICC T20 World Championship, and said his positive approach towards the game would help the team.
“Afridi is a player with a positive frame of mind who has been bowling excellently in last two years. His mere presence in the field generates a fighting spirit among the players,” Waqar said.
Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis has said that the national squad lacks confidence, and it is this problem that he would try to sort out during the three week training camp.
He said he was confident that both of them would work together to deliver the desired results.
Fielding has been one of the major concern’s for Pakistan in the recent past, and Waqar too is aware of the fact.
“During the camp we will stress on the fielding because in a Twenty20 match, 15-20 runs can make the difference and this you can save through good fielding,” he said.
When asked about his favourites in the T20 World Cup, Waqar said it is hard to predict a winner in the slam bang version of the game , adding : “ Any team who play well on the day can win a Twenty20 match, it’s tough to predict who will win but in my opinion Australia, India and South Africa are playing well.”
Chris Gayle, Kemar Roach to play for western Australia in Twenty20
Gayle was restricted to just two games for WA last summer after picking up a side strain in his first outing for the Warriors.
West Indies captain Chris Gayle will return to Western Australia next summer to play for the Warriors' Twenty20 campaign. Fast bowler Kemar Roach will also join him.
But the 30-year-old still made a sizeable impact, hammering 40 off just 16 balls against South Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Roach has quickly emerged as the most exciting pacer in the Test arena.
The 21-year-old has taken 20 wickets in five Tests and injured Australian captain Ricky Ponting last summer with a fearsome bouncer.
"In Chris Gayle we have secured one of the game's best Twenty20 players for the second successive season, while Kemar Roach is one of the most promising young pacemen in world cricket," WACA chief executive Graeme Wood said.
"It has been extremely disappointing to miss out on the opportunity to compete at the first two Champions League Twenty20 tournaments," he added.
Brett Lee grabs place in Ausi t-20 Worldcup team
Brett Lee was on Tuesday included in the Australia squad for the World Twenty20 after proving his fitness to selectors.
Lee underwent elbow surgery last year and has not played for Australia since the tour of India in October but has nevertheless won a place in the party for the tournament in the Caribbean which gets under way on April 30.
National selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said: "While Brett Lee hasn't played the amount of cricket we would've liked him to in preparation for this World Cup, at his best he is one of the best Twenty20 cricketers in the world.
Lee underwent elbow surgery last year and has not played for Australia since the tour of India in October but has nevertheless won a place in the party for the tournament in the Caribbean which gets under way on April 30.
National selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said: "While Brett Lee hasn't played the amount of cricket we would've liked him to in preparation for this World Cup, at his best he is one of the best Twenty20 cricketers in the world.
Kent sign Scotland's Scot Nel
Scotland seamer Dewald Nel has signed a two-year contract at Kent.
The 29-year-old South Africa-born bowler, who has also had a spell with Worcestershire, has played 28 times for Scotland in Twenty20 and one-day internationals.
Kent director of cricket Paul Farbrace said: "We are delighted to sign a bowler of Dewald's quality and experience.
"He is a credit to Cricket Scotland and the current coaching set-up. I am looking forward to Dewald making a telling contribution here at Kent."
Scotland head coach Peter Steindl added: "We are delighted that Dewald has earned a second chance to play county cricket and believe that in the long run this will benefit Scotland.
"We have been impressed at the open and honest way Paul Farbrace and Kent have approached this deal, and will now look to build a mutually beneficial relationship which will help Dewald become a major player for Kent and Scotland."
The 29-year-old South Africa-born bowler, who has also had a spell with Worcestershire, has played 28 times for Scotland in Twenty20 and one-day internationals.
Kent director of cricket Paul Farbrace said: "We are delighted to sign a bowler of Dewald's quality and experience.
"He is a credit to Cricket Scotland and the current coaching set-up. I am looking forward to Dewald making a telling contribution here at Kent."
Scotland head coach Peter Steindl added: "We are delighted that Dewald has earned a second chance to play county cricket and believe that in the long run this will benefit Scotland.
"We have been impressed at the open and honest way Paul Farbrace and Kent have approached this deal, and will now look to build a mutually beneficial relationship which will help Dewald become a major player for Kent and Scotland."
middlesex signed Collins for this season
Middlesex have signed former West Indies left-arm seamer Pedro Collins for this season.
Collins, who has not played international cricket since 2006, will have Kolpak status due to his native Barbados' trade links with the United Kingdom.
The 33-year-old, who will join Middlesex midway through April, left Surrey in October after two seasons there on a Kolpak deal.
He follows opening batsman Scott Newman in moving across the Thames this winter and Middlesex's other high-profile close-season signings; former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist and ex-New Zealand paceman Iain O'Brien.
Collins took only 16 wickets in five LV County Championship appearances last season for Surrey, but has a more favourable record in Tests with 106 scalps in 32 matches. Additionally, he has 39 wickets in 30 one-day internationals.
Middlesex's managing director of cricket Angus Fraser said: "We are delighted to have secured the services of Pedro Collins. Pedro will bolster Middlesex's seam attack, bringing experience and variety to it.
"He has experience of bowling in English conditions and has had a very good domestic season in the Caribbean, in which he took 26 wickets at an average of only 17.53 for Barbados. We look forward to him joining up with the rest of the squad in mid-April."
Collins said: "I am delighted to be returning to England to play county cricket this summer.
"Playing at Lord's with West Indies was always a special experience and the thought of playing there for Middlesex with the home support on my side is very exciting.
"The club have made some good signings this summer to complement a strong squad so I look forward to helping the club challenge for silverware."
Collins, who has not played international cricket since 2006, will have Kolpak status due to his native Barbados' trade links with the United Kingdom.
The 33-year-old, who will join Middlesex midway through April, left Surrey in October after two seasons there on a Kolpak deal.
He follows opening batsman Scott Newman in moving across the Thames this winter and Middlesex's other high-profile close-season signings; former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist and ex-New Zealand paceman Iain O'Brien.
Collins took only 16 wickets in five LV County Championship appearances last season for Surrey, but has a more favourable record in Tests with 106 scalps in 32 matches. Additionally, he has 39 wickets in 30 one-day internationals.
Middlesex's managing director of cricket Angus Fraser said: "We are delighted to have secured the services of Pedro Collins. Pedro will bolster Middlesex's seam attack, bringing experience and variety to it.
"He has experience of bowling in English conditions and has had a very good domestic season in the Caribbean, in which he took 26 wickets at an average of only 17.53 for Barbados. We look forward to him joining up with the rest of the squad in mid-April."
Collins said: "I am delighted to be returning to England to play county cricket this summer.
"Playing at Lord's with West Indies was always a special experience and the thought of playing there for Middlesex with the home support on my side is very exciting.
"The club have made some good signings this summer to complement a strong squad so I look forward to helping the club challenge for silverware."
Mitchell Johnson's 3-39 sets newzealand close to defeat
Mitchell Johnson took out his frustration at a first Test pair by hurting New Zealand and putting Australia on target for a comfortable series cleansweep. Johnson stung the hosts in their impossible pursuit of 479 with 3 for 39 and left a few physical bruises as well during hostile spells either side of tea.
New Zealand need a world-record chase to level the series but there is virtually no chance of that after another modest top-order performance left them at 185 for 5. While the pitch is still excellent and the forecast is for another sunny day, they still require 294 runs, with Martin Guptill (29) and Brendon McCullum (19) the only remaining men capable of long stays
New Zealand need a world-record chase to level the series but there is virtually no chance of that after another modest top-order performance left them at 185 for 5. While the pitch is still excellent and the forecast is for another sunny day, they still require 294 runs, with Martin Guptill (29) and Brendon McCullum (19) the only remaining men capable of long stays
I have retired 'only for the time being': Mohammad Yousuf
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf, who announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday, has kept the doors open for a comeback, saying he is only ‘retiring for the time being.’
“I’m retired for the time being,” Yousuf said while reading a written statement at a packed Karachi Press Club, but he refused to speak about the reasons behind his decision.
Despite a volley of questions from the media gathered at the press club, Yousuf chose to keep mum and repeated the written statement.
Yousuf, however, appeared disappointed at the treatement meted out to him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has imposed an indefinite ban on him in the aftermath of the disastrous tour of Australia.
“In a letter sent to me by the PCB I was told that my presence in the national team is harmful for Pakistan cricket.I don’t want to cause any more harm to Pakistan because it’s very dear to me. That is why I’ve decided to retire from cricket. I’ve thought a lot before taking this decision and also received a lot of advise from my elders,” Yousuf said.
He also hinted that he would continue playing first-class cricket and in private leagues.
“If I get time, I would love to play first-class cricket and in leagues. I have to stay fit,” The News quoted Yousuf, as saying.
Originally a Roman Catholic, Yousuf converted to Islam in 2005 and has since been involved in preaching besides playing cricket.
Yousuf has so far played 88 Tests for Pakistan, scoring 7,431 runs with 24 hundreds. He has also scored 9,624 in 282 one-day internationals.
He received the International Cricket Council’s(ICC) player of the year award in 2007.
Meanwhile, chief selector Mohsin Khan has described Yousuf’s decision to quit international cricket as a ‘hasty’ one, and said the middle-order batsman still has at least another three years of cricket left in him.
“As a Pakistani I am sad that Yousuf has decided to retire. It is his own decision. But certainly I felt he had at least three years of cricket left in him and we wanted him to play for Pakistan soon,” Khan said.
“I’m retired for the time being,” Yousuf said while reading a written statement at a packed Karachi Press Club, but he refused to speak about the reasons behind his decision.
Despite a volley of questions from the media gathered at the press club, Yousuf chose to keep mum and repeated the written statement.
Yousuf, however, appeared disappointed at the treatement meted out to him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has imposed an indefinite ban on him in the aftermath of the disastrous tour of Australia.
“In a letter sent to me by the PCB I was told that my presence in the national team is harmful for Pakistan cricket.I don’t want to cause any more harm to Pakistan because it’s very dear to me. That is why I’ve decided to retire from cricket. I’ve thought a lot before taking this decision and also received a lot of advise from my elders,” Yousuf said.
He also hinted that he would continue playing first-class cricket and in private leagues.
“If I get time, I would love to play first-class cricket and in leagues. I have to stay fit,” The News quoted Yousuf, as saying.
Originally a Roman Catholic, Yousuf converted to Islam in 2005 and has since been involved in preaching besides playing cricket.
Yousuf has so far played 88 Tests for Pakistan, scoring 7,431 runs with 24 hundreds. He has also scored 9,624 in 282 one-day internationals.
He received the International Cricket Council’s(ICC) player of the year award in 2007.
Meanwhile, chief selector Mohsin Khan has described Yousuf’s decision to quit international cricket as a ‘hasty’ one, and said the middle-order batsman still has at least another three years of cricket left in him.
“As a Pakistani I am sad that Yousuf has decided to retire. It is his own decision. But certainly I felt he had at least three years of cricket left in him and we wanted him to play for Pakistan soon,” Khan said.
Cricket finds interest in Thai youth
Cricket is now firmly established as a part of the Thai sporting landscape with its introduction into the 10,000 athlete, 30-event National Youth Games in Phetchabun province in north-central Thailand.
Cricket Association of Thailand (CAT) Chief Executive, Mohideen Kader, said: "It's a revolution in Thailand. There has been tremendous interest from Thai TV and journalists in cricket and even on rest-days, the organisers have asked us to play a demonstration game and run a coaching session so that more people can get to see cricket.
Eighty children who had never before played cricket took part in the coaching, attended to by national players John Hottinger and Noppon Senamontree.
11 men"s and nine women"s teams applied to take part in this year"s Youth Games, the organizers ultimately limiting the teams to twelve. "Next time in Uttaradit in 2012, there"ll be even more, with the added advantage that the host province has to field a team, meaning that cricket will have gone to another new place," added Kader.
In 2002, when development started, the game was confined to Bangkok, with sporadic Sixes cricket in Phuket and Chiang Mai. Since then coaches have travelled to schools in a number of provinces in order to encourage the game. The result has seen Thai boys and girls playing in increasing numbers and winning places in the national team
Cricket Association of Thailand (CAT) Chief Executive, Mohideen Kader, said: "It's a revolution in Thailand. There has been tremendous interest from Thai TV and journalists in cricket and even on rest-days, the organisers have asked us to play a demonstration game and run a coaching session so that more people can get to see cricket.
Eighty children who had never before played cricket took part in the coaching, attended to by national players John Hottinger and Noppon Senamontree.
11 men"s and nine women"s teams applied to take part in this year"s Youth Games, the organizers ultimately limiting the teams to twelve. "Next time in Uttaradit in 2012, there"ll be even more, with the added advantage that the host province has to field a team, meaning that cricket will have gone to another new place," added Kader.
In 2002, when development started, the game was confined to Bangkok, with sporadic Sixes cricket in Phuket and Chiang Mai. Since then coaches have travelled to schools in a number of provinces in order to encourage the game. The result has seen Thai boys and girls playing in increasing numbers and winning places in the national team
Vettori chasing Kapil Dev's record of 400 wickets, 4000 runs
New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori has said that he aims to play Test cricket for another four years to reach 400 wickets and 4000 runs and join former Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev, the only player to have achieved that feat.
"I've always thought I'd play until I was about 35 and Test cricket is the part of the game that I want to persevere with. So, if I was ever to give away one facet it would probably be the limited overs," Stuff.co.nz quoted Vettori, as saying.
Vettori celebrated his 100 Test match by spearheading the Black Caps attack against Australia in the second Test match at Hamilton's Seddon Park.
The 31-year-old returned with impressive bowling figures of 4-36 and ran out Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said that Vettori's Test goals were "a great endorsement of his character."
"Daniel is statistically aware and knows Test cricket is where you make your name as a player," Vaughan said.
He further said that Vettori is a role model for any youngster in the country, but they don't want him quitting one-day cricket any time soon.
"Vettori is a role model for us through his work ethic, character and the way he is constantly trying to improve himself as well his leadership," Vaughan added.
"I've always thought I'd play until I was about 35 and Test cricket is the part of the game that I want to persevere with. So, if I was ever to give away one facet it would probably be the limited overs," Stuff.co.nz quoted Vettori, as saying.
Vettori celebrated his 100 Test match by spearheading the Black Caps attack against Australia in the second Test match at Hamilton's Seddon Park.
The 31-year-old returned with impressive bowling figures of 4-36 and ran out Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said that Vettori's Test goals were "a great endorsement of his character."
"Daniel is statistically aware and knows Test cricket is where you make your name as a player," Vaughan said.
He further said that Vettori is a role model for any youngster in the country, but they don't want him quitting one-day cricket any time soon.
"Vettori is a role model for us through his work ethic, character and the way he is constantly trying to improve himself as well his leadership," Vaughan added.
Charlie Burke appointed Hong Kong national coach
Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) has appointed Charlie Burke as coach for its national squad.
Burke had recently completed a development role in the International Cricket Council for the East Asia-Pacific region and will begin his role with the HKCA on 1st May 2010. The 30-year-old Australian is a Level III certified coach with more than 10 years experience.
Regarding his appointment, he said on HKCA website: "I'm excited about the opportunity to be involved in Associate cricket and the chance to work with a passionate and professional organisation such as Hong Kong Cricket Association."
"There has been some great development on the national teams over the last few years, I would like to ensure that we do not lose any of that and look to move forward as a professional and exciting cricket team. The Under-19s is proof that we have some talent coming through and we must develop and give these young players opportunity.
"With a good pathway and skilled coaching, Hong Kong Cricket will go from strength to strength," he added
Burke had recently completed a development role in the International Cricket Council for the East Asia-Pacific region and will begin his role with the HKCA on 1st May 2010. The 30-year-old Australian is a Level III certified coach with more than 10 years experience.
Regarding his appointment, he said on HKCA website: "I'm excited about the opportunity to be involved in Associate cricket and the chance to work with a passionate and professional organisation such as Hong Kong Cricket Association."
"There has been some great development on the national teams over the last few years, I would like to ensure that we do not lose any of that and look to move forward as a professional and exciting cricket team. The Under-19s is proof that we have some talent coming through and we must develop and give these young players opportunity.
"With a good pathway and skilled coaching, Hong Kong Cricket will go from strength to strength," he added
Uganda Cricket donates equipment to schools
Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has purchased cricket equipment worth 20 million Uganda shillings in a bid to maintain its grounds around the country for future international matches.
Uganda hosts Namibia in September 2010 for the four-day ICC Intercontinental Shield match, although it has also played regular matches against Kenya in the past 12 months.
Speaking to the New Vision, UCA CEO Justine Ligyalingi said: "Acquiring this equipment eliminates the cost of hiring gadgets. We received part of the money from the International Cricket Council and the balance from our domestic cricket friends."
"The equipment includes three motorised rollers, nine brush cutters, a mower and boundary ropes. We have decided to give some of the equipment to schools, including Ntare, Kings College Budo and Nyakasura, to maintain their grounds," he added.
Uganda hosts Namibia in September 2010 for the four-day ICC Intercontinental Shield match, although it has also played regular matches against Kenya in the past 12 months.
Speaking to the New Vision, UCA CEO Justine Ligyalingi said: "Acquiring this equipment eliminates the cost of hiring gadgets. We received part of the money from the International Cricket Council and the balance from our domestic cricket friends."
"The equipment includes three motorised rollers, nine brush cutters, a mower and boundary ropes. We have decided to give some of the equipment to schools, including Ntare, Kings College Budo and Nyakasura, to maintain their grounds," he added.
Delhi Daredevils thrash Kolkata Knight Riders by 40 runs
NEW DELHI: After David Warner's brilliant ton, Daredevils bowlers bowled superbly to help Delhi thump Kolkata Knight Riders by 40 runs in their IPL encounter at Ferozeshah Kotla on Monday.
Deciding to bat first, Delhi was blessed by Warner special as the left-hander hit nine fours and five sixes to score an unbeaten 69-ball 107.
Knight Riders lost wickets in regular intervals thereby failing to establish any momentum in their run chase and scored 137/9 in their 20 overs after Daredevils set a challenging 178-run target.
For Delhi, young Umesh Yadav (2-27) took two wickets to lead the bowling attack after his seniors gave early breakthrough against Knight Riders.
Umesh Yadav took the important wickets of David Hussey (29) and Angelo Mathews (24) in consecutive overs to turn the tide for the Daredevils in the middle-overs.
Bhatia scalped the prize wicket of Chris Gayle in the ninth over to give a big blow to Knight Riders in their run-chase.
Gayle was going smoothly slamming two fours and two sixes to score 30 runs off 21 balls before Amit Mishra caught him at deep mid-wicket.
Kolkata lost Manoj Tiwary (0), Mandeep Singh (0) and skipper Sourav Ganguly (5) in the third, fourth and fifth over of the match to three different Daredevils’ bowlers.
Andrew McDonald clean bowled star of KKR’s last win, Manoj Tiwary after Amit Mishra outsmarted Mandeep Singh in the previous over.
After a slow start, Ganguly hit a four off Dirk Nannes before being clean bowled by the left-armer two balls later to give an early breakthrough for Daredevils.
Earlier, David Warner (107 not out) slammed a quick-fire hundred to help Daredevils post 177/4 against Knight Riders.
Warner and Paul Collingwood (53) put on a massive 128-run partnership, highest fourth wicket partnership in IPL, to help Delhi set a respectable 178-run target for Knight Riders.
Warner hit nine fours and five sixes in his 69 balls inning and completed his maiden hundred in just 66 balls.
After early wobble, when Daredevils lost three wickets in first three overs, Collingwood gave Warner the support he needed to score an amazing hundred.
Collingwood slammed three fours and two sixes of his own to score his half-century off just 43 balls.
Delhi lost three quick wickets early as they lost Dinesh Karthik (0) to Kolkata pacer Ishant Sharma, who clean bowled him for naught in the third over, after losing skipper Gautam Gambhir (1) and Virender Sehwag (8) in the previous two overs.
Langeveldt trapped Gambhir lbw in second over of the match just after Gayle got rid of Sehwag in the previous one. Sehwag hit two consecutive fours before being foxed by Gayle.
Earlier, Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir won the toss and decided to bat against Knight Riders.
Teams
Delhi Daredevils: G Gambhir (capt), R Bhatia, KM Jadhav, KD Karthik (wk), AB McDonald, A Mishra, DP Nannes, PJ Sangwan, V Sehwag, DA Warner, PD Collingwood
Kolkata Knight Riders: SC Ganguly (capt), AB Agarkar, CH Gayle, M Kartik, CK Langeveldt, AD Mathews, WP Saha (wk), I Sharma, MK Tiwary, DJ Hussey, Mandeep Singh
Katich's Century gives Australia 300 runs lead( vs Newzealand at day-3)
Australia 231 & 333 for 4 (Katich 106, Hussey 67, Watson 65) lead New Zealand 264 by 300 runs
After two days of frenetic activity, Simon Katich returned the game to Test pace and his important, grafting century led to a commanding lead of 300 with six sessions to play. Australia batted poorly in the first innings but Katich virtually eliminated risk during a gutsy 106 that put his side on track for a total of 333 for 4.
The total might already be enough for Australia, who are chasing a 2-0 cleansweep, but Ricky Ponting will be in no rush to declare given there is so much time left and the forecast is for more sunshine. A pitch offering less spin and tricks than expected will also delay the closure and New Zealand will pray for a massive innings to save or level the contest.
There were two periods when the hosts were in with a chance, but once Tim Southee broke through twice in the morning Katich and Michael Hussey crept ahead during a 155-run partnership. Both men fell to Brent Arnel after tea, when the lead was just over 200, before Michael Clarke (42) and Marcus North (42) lifted the pace to power further ahead.
Katich held the innings together over the first two-thirds of the day to ensure there were no terminal wobbles during the most crucial segment of the Test. Australia began the morning with a two-run advantage and Katich really wanted to bat till stumps. He was rarely put off as he played within himself during his 279-ball occupation, which included 12 fours, but when he exited Clarke and North quickly pressed forward.
Clarke was strong off the back foot and he also played some strong drives during an upbeat conclusion, while North, who hit seven fours and a six, was happy to attack Daniel Vettori. It was a bright conclusion to a day in which most of the runs came slowly. After a cautious and considered opening, Katich found his first boundary from his 138th delivery, when he drove an over-pitched offering from Vettori through cover.
Katich brought up his half-century in the over after lunch with a clip behind square off Southee and backed up with another boundary through gully. There were more lulls and then a couple of crashing shots, including two lofted fours over the offspinner Jeetan Patel, while two strong strikes off Chris Martin with the new ball took Katich into the 90s.
A French cut for four off Martin moved him to 99 and the hundred was sealed in the second-last over before tea with a strong cover drive. He allowed himself a satisfied smile for his second century of a consistent summer, which has also contained a string of scores between 79 and 99.
The tea interval disrupted Katich's concentration and he followed Hussey in an almost carbon copy of his dismissal. Both batsmen nibbled at Arnel, who was coming around the wicket, and their fine edges went to Brendon McCullum.
Hussey hasn't had a great series, but he improved with a hard-fought 66 that was committed, purposeful and patient. Like Katich, he wasn't bothered by maidens or mistakes until his nicking curse returned when he had trouble re-starting in the third session.
The spinners operated for large chunks of the day, but neither Vettori, who delivered 33 overs, nor Patel (27) were able to break through despite building regular bouts of pressure. Southee and Arnel were difficult in patches while Martin was looking more like a medium pacer than an attack spearhead.
Southee had Australia 91 for 2 and slowed them down following an 85-run opening stand. The dismissal of Ponting (6) was expertly planned, with Southee delivering a short ball which the captain managed to top-edge pull over the slips for six. Southee's next effort was straighter, trying to get Ponting to hit in the air to the cluttered onside field, and he pushed it hard to BJ Watling at short leg.
The sharp catch followed Southee's revenge on Shane Watson, who hit him for a six and three fours in his first three overs of the morning. Watson (65) became too aggressive again and Southee picked him up to a mistimed pull for the second time in the Test. New Zealand's early-morning breakthroughs and the ones after tea provided some hope of an achievable chase, but Australia regained the ascendancy each time.
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